A PC is an essential part of most people’s lives. But, like any other machine, it can slow down over time due to the accumulation of dust and debris on its surface, accumulated files and program settings that don’t need to be used anymore, etc. In this article we will show you how to speed up your PC using some simple techniques.
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| how to speed up your pc |
1. Uninstall unnecessary software
Many people don't utilise the software that come preloaded on their computers, but they can chew up system resources. When you get a pop-up telling you to update an application you've never used before, you've probably encountered one of these.
- Remove them from your computer and free up disk space
- Click on the "Start" button and visit the “All apps” menu
- Here you can view a list of the applications you have installed - and the ones you haven’t
- Once you find the program you want to uninstall, right-click on the icon to see the "Options" menu
Or, you can right-click on Start and visit Programs and Features. Windows assistant Cortana can also be helpful because it can perform a search for “Programs” in its search box. From there, you’ll find a record of which apps you’ve used recently and which take up the most space. After surveying what’s installed, you can decide which programs can be deleted to help improve system performance.
You’ll also want to know which programs are required for your computer to run properly and which can be discarded. One of the reasons these applications slow down your PC is because they often start up automatically when you boot up your computer.
If you're not sure if you want these applications permanently deleted, use the aforementioned choices to take a closer look at the apps you wish to get rid of..
2. Limit the programs at startup
Similarly, you may choose which applications launch when your computer starts up. The Task Manager in Windows 10 has been improved to make it easier to figure out what you want running in the background and what you may start on your own.
- To access Task Manager, press Ctrl-Shift-Esc
- A box will appear that lists all the applications you have installed on your computer
- It also gives you a detailed account of the amount of RAM each program uses when you start your PC
- To make an adjustment, just right-click on the application you want to change to tell it not to run until commanded
You can always change the settings if you notice that a program is no longer running that impacts how you use your PC. If in doubt, you can always restart your computer and see how it runs without certain applications available at startup.
3. Add more RAM to your PC
Although Windows 10 utilises less memory than previous versions, increasing RAM memory has long been a tried-and-true method of speeding up devices.
You'll probably have to make do with what came in the box if you have a convertible or detachable laptop. Although certain business and gaming computers allow for RAM expansion, it can be difficult.
It's more easier and less expensive to add extra RAM to desktop computers. In about an hour, everyone with a basic understanding of the guts of a desktop tower can install more RAM.
You can also get more RAM added in your computer by taking it to a professional shop. If you're concerned about your system being compromised,
4. Check for spyware and viruses
While it's nearly difficult to avoid picking up a virus while surfing the web, the new Windows Defender programme has made it easier than ever to identify malware that could be creating severe problems on your computer. Third-party tools are very simple to set up and can be just as successful at eliminating malware and viruses.
Some programmes are better than others, and some take up more space, which might slow things down. You want software that is effective and thoroughly removes malware while not taking up too much space on your computer.
Consider installing two types of software to track your computer's performance.run into additional performance problems.
5. Use Disk Cleanup and defragmentation
Every computer has a number of files and programs on its hard drive that haven’t been used in a while or are unnecessary. Disk Cleanup allows you to find which applications and files can be deleted from your computer, freeing up drive space for the programs you will use.
It is incredibly easy to access Disk Cleanup.
- From the Start button or Cortana search box, you’ll be sent to the program
- A quick scan will show you the temporary files, installer applications, and web pages that you haven’t used or no longer need
- From there, it will automatically delete them and clear up some space
Disk Cleanup’s effectiveness depends on how much RAM you have on your PC, which can also cause your computer to run slower than it normally would. If this is the case, it may be a good idea to install more RAM on your device.
You should also schedule disk defragmentation on a semi-regular basis so you can be aware of how much hard-drive space you have. Windows has an Optimize Drives tool, which you can access from the Start button or your Cortana search box. There are also a number of third-party programs that can be helpful in clearing out files that you don’t use anymore.
6. Consider a startup SSD
When you want better performance, a startup solid-state drive (SSD) can go a long way toward taking some of the pressure off the processor when your computer boots up. If you tend to run a number of applications at one time or use photo and video editing software, then a startup drive can go a long way toward making these programs run smoother and load faster.
While they’re most commonly installed on desktop computers, SSDs can be used on some laptop models as well. When you don’t have the option of using an internal SSD, you can always purchase an external drive that connects to your PC with a USB 3.0. This drive can give you the extra push you need at startup to accomplish tasks and give you a boost for apps that need more temporary memory to run properly.
You can find a number of SSD options that work within your budget depending on how you use your PC. Storage review sites online can be valuable sources of information when you want to choose the right drive for your computer and you need to know that it is compatible with your operating system.
7. Take a look at your web browser
Minor adjustments can often make a difference with the speed of your PC. Something as simple as which browser you use can slow down or speed up the rate at which web pages, videos, and images load. If you have been using a certain browser and notice that there is a lag time, consider an alternative to see if the loading speeds are better.
The type of browser you use is not only the thing that may be slowing down your computer when you’re using the web. If you have a full cache that has not been emptied in a while, then you’ll want to visit your settings and make sure that it’s empty.
Your cache comprises what you pick up when you are visiting various websites. Many sites use cookies in order to figure out your browsing habits and the ads you may click when you visit a site will leave one too. A cache holds these files as information and if you spend a lot of time online, these files can accumulate and cause your computer to run more slowly.